Display sign



5 Sheets-Sheet 1 GQ H. EVANS pIsPL'AY SIGN Filed oct. 21, lss' Sept. 1o, 1940.

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Sept. 10, 1940. G. H. EVANS 2,214,410

DSPLAY SIGN Filed Oct. 21, 1933 3 Sheets-SheetA 2 G. H. Erw/ANS DISPLAY SIGN Filed Oct. 21. '195e Sept. l0, 1940.

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 'Skim/mang Patented Sept. 10, 1940 UNTED STATE t ,gnam

DISPLAY SIGN I George H. Evans, Washington, D. C., assignor of one-half to RichardY K. lStevens, Washington,

Application October 21, 1938, Serial No. 236,349

33 Claims.

ni5 While the characers displayed by the sign are sufliciently stationary to readily convey tfo an observer the intendedv significance.

The desirability of utilizing signs including means to attract the attention of the public theremon practice to produce extremely `large and eX- pensive electrical signs having novel illuminating sequence or other means for attracting and maintaining attention. These features are reiterated in smaller signs insofar as it is practicable from the standpoint of expense in the light of the scope of advertising effectiveness. The eiiiciency of signs in which the primary attentionrengaging media is mechanical, as distinguishedfrom electrical, has been long recognized likewise, but, because of certain hitherto prevalent concomitant disadvantages, their practical use has beenlimited to a large extent. 1

It is an object of this invention to overcome the disadvantages formerly incident tothe commercial use of mechanical signs. In addition, Ia sign comprising the present invention may be economical to construct, silent in operation, and may be inexpensively operated, Furthermore, a sign is contemplated that may be universally positioned with respect to lightsources and will roduce novel and attractive elfects to create and maintain interest.

More specifically, this invention contemplates the provision of a display device in which an advertising design may be composed of a plurality of continuously or periodically movable display elements which present a scintillating or flowing effect, thereby attracting the attention of passersby, while at the same time, the design or insignia itself may be maintained perfectly legible. In the production of such display devices, this invention contemplates the employment of a plurality of adjacent spindles so positioned with respect to a driving'means that they may be frictionallyfengaged and rotated thereby.

Other objects. and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, reference being had to the anneXed sheetsfof drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout, and in which:

Fig. i is a front View in elevation of one embodiment of a display sign made in accordance with this invention;

to is so universally recognized that it is now oom- Fig. 21 is a view in cross section taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. l

Fig. 3` is a front view in elevation of a modification of the invention showing slanted display members frictionally driven by a rotating shaft;

Fig. Ltis a view in cross section taken along ther line lof Fig. 3;

Fig..y 5 is. a plan view of a modification of the invention wherein portions are cut away to show the display insignia rotatable by frctional en- 10 gagement with a revolving disc;

Fig. 6 is a view in cross section taken along the line tof Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a view in perspective of a resilient mounting to facilitate frictional engagement with a driving member;

Fig. 8' is a front View in elevation of a modification of the present invention, portions thereof lbeing cut away to show the display members and driving means; f20

yFigli= is a View in perspective of a plain display element for use in signs made in accordance with this invention; and I Figs. 10 to 14 are perspective Views of modifled display elements for `use in signs madein 25 accordance with this invention.

Referring specifically to Figs. 1 and 2l of the drawings, a display unit may comprise a base l supporting a motor 2 which is connected by suitable gear reduction means 3 to a shaft which carriesfa drum 5. Drum 5 frictonally drives. a belt 'l carried by drums 5 and 3. The belt 'l is retained in position by an angle member 9 with a retaining shoulder lil against which the outer and lower edge of the belt 'l may slide during its upper run, Display elements l2 are mounted on a plurality of spindles I3 or made integral therewith. f l

The spindles I3 may be positioned parallelly to one another and in the same vertical plane by elongated angle brackets lil having bearings therein to support said spindles i3 near'their upper and lower extremities'. These spindles are provided with contacting rotors l5, the peripheries of which rest against the driving belt l whereby to impart'motion to the spindles i3. The display elements L?. maybe of such material and configuration that light falling upon them may be reected'in various formations and directions as will be completely described hereinafter. lVarious attractive effects maybe secured by locating -the display elements l2 in front of a suitable background I6. I

By reference to Fig. 2 it will be noted that the spindles I3 are positioned perpendicularly to the base I. The display is thereby maintained in the conventional upright position. Accordingly, the motor assembly 2, drums 5 and 3, support S, and belt i are mounted at an angie with respect to the base I. This angular mounting permits the spindles I3 to be positioned in a vertical plane and at the same time provides contact between vbelt 'i and rotors i5 only at the outer periph-cries thereof, whereby the rotors i5 are caused to ro tate. Instead of the embodiment ii trated, however, it is possible to arrange a d in which the spindles are mounted at ai ost any angle with respect to the belt, the only i tation being that the driving members be so positioned with respect to the belt that they may ce irictionally engaged and rotated thereby.

To these eiiects can also be added a successive transverse alternate cessation and resumption of motion which may be accomplished by the use of a belt of varying width. If, for example, the belt 'l is cut away as shown at I i, the narrow ing portion will by-pass the rotorsl thereby permitting the same to rest on the stationary angle support 9. As the belt continues its journey, motion will be resumed as successive driving rollers are again engaged by the widened portion I8 of the belt. v

In Figs. 3 and 4, a modification of the driving means is shown which is applicable to ldisplay device where the spindles carrying display indicia are disposed at a slight inclination with respect to the driving means but li-e in substantially the same vertical plane. Displayelernents i i2 are hired on spindles I3 which are mounted at an angle in suitable bearings in brackets 2i? supported by the background i6. A suitable source of power 2 mounted on a base I drives a shaft I, journaled in a bearing 22. A drive cylinder 23 is mounted on shaft EI or made integral therewith. This cylinder 23 is arranged to irictionally engage the peripheries of discs 26 which are secured to the lower ends ci spindles I3. This type of drive means is particularly advantageous as it ccmprises the minimum of parts and is substantially wear-proof.

It has been found desirable, especially in signs where the display indicia in collocation represent various letters of the alphabet, to position both of the guide bearings shown at 2E belowv the display indicia. This has the obvious advantage oi facilitating a change in the length ci any particular display member so that dierent words may be spelled when the advertiser desirous of changing the subject matter of the advertisement. Of course, to make this possibie it may be necessary to have a suitable key arrangem nt between the spindles i3 and the rotors i5 whereby the two may be readily disengaged and yet when in engagement the latter will positively drive the former.

A modification of the present invention especially suitable for displays other than those in which words, slogans,Y or phrases are spelled out, is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In this modification the display elements i2 are supported in a circle lar arrangement on a base 25 which is cylindrical in shape and hollow. These display elements I2 are of the same type as those used in the above modiiication and are supported by spindies I3 which have discs 24 secured to the lower ends thereof. The spindles I3 are journaled in bearings carried by the top wall 2? of the base 25 and a circular cover 28 which is spaced from said base 26 on a centrally located column 29. Mounted Within base 26 i-s a suitable source of that the rotors or driving discs irl irictionally.

engage the irusto-conical disc 32 oniy at their peripheries so that a frictional drive between the two will result in rotation ofvspindles i5 carry ing the display elements I2.

A detailed modiiication of a means for maintaining the driving rotary irictional engagement with a moving surface is shown in 7. 35 in Fig. 7 is provided with an upstan -g iange 355 running for the entire length of the moving portions of the display. Resting against the inner edge of upstanding flange are springs 3i? which are positioned to resiliently urge e iioating thrust bearings 33. The thrust of thV springs 3l will act to move the bearing blocks 33 away from the flange 3S and toward the rear of the sign. Journaled within the block bearings R12 are shafts I3 which carry Lt -e display elements I.. Near the lower journaled ends ci the shafts but just shortthereof, are positioned Contact rotors is which are cylindrical in shape. r[he peripheries of the contact rotors Si? are resiliently urged into irictional engagement with a beit fifi which may be driven by a suitable source of power in a position vertical to the base The belt iii rests against and may be supported by an independently mounted stationary support inember 4i. t will be seen that the rotors 39 wiil. be maintained in constant engagement with the belt lli as a result of the action of the springs 3'? on the thrust bearings 38,V which bearings carry the spindles I3 and consequently the contact rotors 39,.

Still another modification or my invention is shown in Fig. 8 wherein the display elements I2 are housed within transparent or translucent housings which may be made o1" glass, suitable molding plastics, or other desirable materials. In addition, these housings may be provided with surfaces comprising prismatic, lenticular, or other formations so to optically eiiect the light rays reflected from the display elements i2 as more fully described in my application for patent Ser. No. 216,361. Likewise, this modiiication illustrates an additional detail which may be incorporated in my invention, namely, the inclusion rof a built-in light source to provide illumination for the display elements I2.' Furthermore provision is made to lter this light so as to present vari-colored eiects.

In this Inodication which is shown in Fig. 8, a fanciful display is made which somewhat combines the features of the disclosures of Figs. 3 and 5. The spindles i3 may be mounted in various angular positions and the contact rotors 2d may be mounted not only to contact the periphery S3 of the frustoconical driving disc 32 but mayl also contact its upper surface 42. 'This modification may comprise a hollow base i3 wherein is mounted a motor 2, gear box 3u, and shaft 35 supporting and driving the frusto-conical disc 32. The display elements IZ are supported on spindles I3 which are mounted in suitable bearings lii and LI'I which bearings may be provided in the top and bottom walls of the housings 45.

In addition to the irusto-conical driving disc 32 there is mounted on the drive shaft SI a glass `more 'attractive' than if they have other formations. This is particularly true with the two-iin display elements, and accordingly the member villustrated in Fig. 9 is shown to be formed in this manner. 'This desirable effect is obtained by twisting the strip so that each turn of 180 forms Vplate 48 which' may be variedly colored so that routwardly with respect tothe particular device shown, and they maybe made of varying materials particularly suitable for the intended purtherefrom may be Visible at acute angles.

pose. It is also contemplated to use glass spindle display indicia and to position a light beneath them, whereby refractive principles can bc utilized to advantage, the rays being subject to a double refraction once by operation of the glass spindle display indicia and again by the walls of the housings According to the subsequent disclosure contained herein, and as fully described in my application for patent Ser. No. 216,361,'the display elements l2 may comprise various shapes and modiiications. The preferred form, however, as more clearly shown in Fig. 9 comprises a strip of reflecting material which is twisted so as to present continuously moving reiiecting surfaces upon being rotated. A display member of this type is adapted to reflect light in all directions as it rotates, and consequently'a light image reflected In many instances it may be desirable to taper the elements l2 as shown in Fig. 8. The strip may be of any suitable reflecting material, and in the present instance a display member formed from metal foil has proven most efficient. On the other hand a colored member may be used and it has .been found that members having their opposite sides dierently colored form a particularly attractive display.

As shown in Figs. 9 to 14, the rotatable display elements comprising spirally wound strips of renecting material may be provided with any desired number of iins. Figs. 9, 10, and 11 show members comprising astrip which is twisted about its longitudinal axis to produce a spiral having but two fins. Fig. 12 shows a display member having four ns extending substantially at right angles from each other, and Fig. 13 shows a display member having three substantially equiangular flns. Each of these members is desirable for producing different effects or light patterns to be viewed by an observer. The use of these several types of display elements may be made according to the type of light pattern it is desired to obtain. The two-iin members as shown in Figs. 9, 10, and 11 produce a multiple unit sparkling or scintillating effect that includes a movement of the units along the length of the display member. In contrast, a four-fin member as shown in Fig. l2 produces more of a flaming effect having substantially no motion along the length of the member. On the other hand, the three-fin member as shown in Fig. 13 pro- 'duces an effect substantially midway between the length of the reector.

It has been discovered that if these display elements are formed in a predetermined manner they produce a light pattern that is considerably .'r"urthermore the multiple a reflector surface that 'is substantially square when viewed from the side of the strip. In other words the edge of each reflector surface will substantially coincide with the sides of a square A as shown in broken lines and the extreme opposite points of each reflector surface will lie in the sides of a square B midway between the corners thereof. The light pattern produced by this formation` comprisesI a series of individual units or blobs of light which produce the maximum i1- lumination and appear to be completely separated from each other.

A modication of the rotatable display element which has proven most desirable is shown in Fig. 1D. This member is formed in a manner to provide a plurality of light reflecting surfaces so as to collect and reflect light from many angles. reflecting surfaces break the light up into a plurality of units so as to give the effect of diffusion. This type of refleeting surface is more successful in producing a pattern or design of light rays and thereby disguising the physical formation of the display member. In addition, due to the fact that the reflecting surfaces lie in many planes at many different angles to each other, some of the light rays will be reflected at acute angles and consequently the light pattern will be visible even though an observer is located at one side of the sign. The undulating or deformed reflecting surface may be providedl by forming the surface into a series of corrugations or ridges.

If a metal foil is used, as pointed out hereinabove, it may simply be crumpled and then more lor less smoothed out soy as to present a wrinkled surface. Another manner of forming a multiple reflector surface as shown in Fig 11 is by cutting the edges of the ns as at 59 and bending the segments 5l between the slits 5@ at angles with vrespect to each other or into angular segments. yOther methods of obtaining a similar effect as Aabove described may be used, such as forming convex or concave reliecting surfaces on the iins or by making'indentations therein or in any other vmanner which will provide a display member -having a plurality of reflecting surfaces which sl'iown in Figs. 12, 13, and 14 may be arranged similar to the modications just described and shown in Figs. 9, 10, and 11. That is, the fins of these members may have smooth surfaces, or

the surfaces may be deformed so as to break up Ythe light reflected therefrom into a plurality of units. v

Another type of display element which may be incorporated in the present invention comprises but a single nn extending from one side of the axis thereof and is shown in Fig. 9, This single iin may be perfectly smooth, but preferably it is corrugated or otherwise deformed so as to 'break up the reflected light into a plurality of units. The single fin display element has many 'specific uses wherein the result produced thereby may be more attractive and successful than that of the hereinbefore described display elementa For instance, a bank of single fin display elements may be used to produce a scintillating eiect that appears to have a plurality of motions in different directions. On the other hand, due to the fact that the single fin may be of comparatively narrow width, a display element of this type may be used most successfully in combination with a narrow border panel surrounding or adjacent the main portion of the sign.

Many different eiects may be produced by the use of the various types of display elements above described and in the manner in which they are employed and/or driven. In constructing a sign according to the present invention, the type of display element to be incorporated therein may be chosen according to the type of matter to be advertised, the location of the sign with respect to its surroundings, and the location ofthe sign with respect to the observers.

Although certain specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, many modifications thereof are possible, and the present disclosure should be construed only in an illustrative sense. The present invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A display sign comprising a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements provided with driving discs, and means to frictionally drive said driving discs, said driving discs being in edge engagement with said friction driving means.

2. A display comprising a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, and means for resiliently maintaining said insignia in frictional engagement with a driving means.

3. A display sign comprising a support, display insignia mounted thereon in generally xed position, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements angularly positioned with respect to a driving surface and maintained in fricticnal engagement therewith, and means for imparting motion to said driving surface.

Il. A display sign. comprising in combination at least one symbol, said symbol comprising a plurality of rotating elements, reflecting means carried by said rotating elements that cooperate one with the other to define the symbol, friction means for imparting rotation to said elements, and a source of power for driving said friction means, whereby a scintillating effect is produced by the elements.

5. a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft car. 7ing a drivin T member and supporting a refleeting medium, said driving members being in edge engagement with a friction means, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

6. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a refleeting medium, said reilectinfr medium having plural surfaces whereby to reflect light rays in a ing in edge engagement with a friction means,

and a source of means.

7. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reilecting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twist-ed about its longitudinal axis whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, said driving members being in edge engagement with a friction means, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

8. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia eing composed of a plurality cf rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a refleeting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis, said material being arranged so that each twist of 180 forms a substantially square reflecting face, whereby to reflect light rays so as to produce the appearance of individual spots of light, friction means for rotating said driving members, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

9. In a display sign, in combination, a support, a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having plural surfaces, whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, said driving members being in edge engagement with a friction means, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

l0. In a display sign, in combination, a support display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a refleeting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having angularly formed surfaces, whereby to reect light rays in a plurality of directions, friction means for rotating said driving members, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

1l. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable power for driving' said friction elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having corrugated surfaces, whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, friction means' for rotating said driving members, and' a source of power for driving said friction means- Y?. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium cornprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, friction means for rotating said driving members, said driving members being resili'ently maintained in frictional engagement for driving said friction means.

Ashaft carrying a driving member and supporting i3; In a dsplay sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis so as to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, a belt for frictionally engaging the driving members carried by said rotatable elements, and a source of power for driving said belt. y

14. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia lmounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, eachof said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting 'a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis so as to reect light rays in a plurality of directions, a roller for frictionally engaging said driving members, and a source of power for driving said roller.

15. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements,. each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axisvso as to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, a disc for frictionally engaging said driving members, and a source of power for driving said disc.

16. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a'driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium cornprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis so as to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, a frusto-conical disc for frictionally engaging said driving members, and a source of power for driving said disc.

17. In a display sign', in combination, a support, display insignia Amounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reecting medium comprising metal foil twisted about its longitudinal axis whereby to reect light rays in a plurality or directions, means for illuminating the reilecting mediums, friction means for rotating said driving members, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

18. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium cornprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, means for illuminating the reflecting mediums, means for controlling the coloring of the illumination of said reflecting mediums, friction means for rotating said driving members, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

19. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium comprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having plural surfaces, said material being arranged so that each twist of 180"v forms a substantially square reflecting face, whereby to reflect light rays so as to produce the appearance of individual spots or" light, friction means for rotating said driving members, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

20. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprisinga shaft carrying a driving member and supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium cornprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis and ha ing angularly formed surfaces inthe form of corrugations, said material being arranged so that each twist of 180 forms a substantially square reflecting face, whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, friction means for rotating said driving members, and a source of power for driving said friction means.

21. In a display sign, in combination, a support, display insignia mounted thereon, said insignia being composed of a plurality of rotatable elements, each of said elements comprising a shaft carrying a driving member and Supporting a reflecting medium, said reflecting medium cornprising material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having angularly formed surfaces in the form of corrugations, said material being arranged so that each twist of 180 forms a substantially square reflecting face, whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, means for illuminating the reflecting medium, means for controlling the color of the illumination of said reflecting medium, a belt for irictionally engaging the driving members carried by said rotatable elements, said driving members being resiliently maintained in frictional engagement with said belt and a source of power for driving said belt.

22.111 display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element comprising a reiiecting medium composed of material twisted about its longitudinal axis, so thateach twist of 180o forms a substantially square reflecting face, whereby to reiiect light rays so as to produce the appearance of individual spots of light, and means for rotating said element.

23. In display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element comprising a reflecting medium composed of metal foil twisted about its longitudinal axis and having plural surfaces, whereby to reilect light rays in v a plurality of directions, and means for rotating said element.

24. In display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element comprising a reflecting medium composed of material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having angularly formed surfaces, whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, and means for rotating said element.

25. In display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by lsaid support, said element comprising a reflecting medium composed of material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having Cil corrugated surfaces, whereby to reiiect light rays in a plurality of directions, and means for rotating said element.

26. In display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said elernent comprising a reflecting medium composed of material twisted about its longitudinal axis and having plural surfaces, said material having a plurality of slits along its edges and the portions therebetween being bent to form said plural surfaces, whereby to reect light rays in a plurality of directions, and means for rotating said element.

27. In display apparatus, combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element coniprising a reflecting medium composed of material twisted about its longitudinal axis, so that each twist of 189 forms a substantially square reliecting face and is provided with plural surlaces, whereby to reflect light rays so as to produce the appearance of individual spots of light, and means for rotating said element.

28. ln display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element comprising a reflecting medium composed of metal foil twisted about its longitudinal axis and having plural surfaces, whereby to reilect light rays in a plurality of directions, means for illuminating said reiiectlng medium, and means for rotating said element.

29. In a vdisplay apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said Support, saidl element comprising a reflecting medium composed of metal foil twisted about its longitudinal axis so that each twist of '180 `forms a substantially square 'refleeting face, whereby to reflect light rays so as to produce the appearance of individual spots of light, and means for rotating said element.

30. In a display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element cornprsing a reflecting medium composed oi rnetal foil twisted about its longitudinal axis and having corrugated surfaces, whereby to reflect light rays in a plurality of directions, and means for rotating said element.

3l. In a display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element supported by said support, said element comprising a reflecting medium composed oi metal foil twisted about its longitudinal axis and having' angularly formed surfaces, whereby to reiiect light rays in a plurality of directions, and means for rotating said element.

32. In a display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element mounted on said support, said element comprising a strip of reflecting material twisted about its longitudinal axis to present a plurality or" reiiecting surfaces, said strip having a variable width whereby to produce variable sized reflecting surfaces.

33. In a display apparatus, in combination, a support, at least one rotatable display element mounted on said support, said element comprising a strip of reflecting material twisted about its longitudinal axis to present a plurality oi reecting surfaces, said strip'being tapered whereby to produce progressively enlarged reflecting surfaces.

GEORGE H. EVANS. 

